Relaxation

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Relaxing milestone trips

Sometimes, life comes at you fast. The solution? Putting your feet up – slowly. This collection of trips has R&R at its heart. But it’s about more than just palm trees and beaches.


Thailand Mexico Greek Islands

Thailand

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From one of the most vibrant cities in the world to one of the world’s most secretive islands. The scent of street food, the trump of elephants – the lapping of long-tail boats and the blush of ruby coral. The emphasis on this Thai escape rests firmly on the chilled out. There is – quite literally – no rush.

Where to stay

The Siam Story Lounge, Bangkok, Thailand

The Siam Hotel, Bangkok

Walking into this peaceful oasis, it’s easy to forget that you’re in one of the busiest cities in Asia. Beautiful gardens and an enticing infinity pool offer magnificent views of the Chao Phraya River.

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137 Pillars House

137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai

Constructed from teak in the 19th century, the elegant buildings of 137 Pillars House are laid within resplendent, tranquil gardens – and all within the heart of Chiang Mai and the charming boutiques that surround the Wat Gates.

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Six Senses Yao Noi | Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Thailand

Six Senses Yao Noi

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Koh Yao Noi, the buildings of this peerless hotel overlook – beyond – the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay. This sustainable and sumptuous haven has one of the most singular locations in all of Thailand. Sublime.

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The highlights

Bangkok by night

Bangkok by night

A bristling, modern city – glass towers with snaking silhouettes – within which are hidden countless historic landmarks and neighborhoods. The best time to drink it all in (the lights, the movement) is at night. Our guide will show you the way.

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Grand palace Bangkok, luxury travel Thailand

The blockbusters of the city

From the Grand Palace to the Emerald Buddha, we’ll introduce you to ‘Old Bangkok’ by day – in areas all too often overlooked by tourists. And the food? Out of this world.

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Chiang Mai motorbike

Cycle through Chiang Mai

On this day, you’ll peddle out through the lush valleys and rolling mountain landscapes that make Chiang Mai so iconic, your route dotted with historic shrines and incomparable vistas.

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Asian elephant

A day with the elephants

You’ll spend a day bonding with the elephants at Patara Elephant Sanctuary – learning how to feed and bathe these gentle giants. This is a personal Black Tomato favorite.

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Phuket coastline in summer

Phuket at leisure

In the outrageously beautiful environs of Phuket, you can try your hand at a huge array of water sports – from snorkeling to diving. For a more leisurely approach, there’s cycle tours, fishing expeditions, and cooking classes.

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Phi Phi Islands boats, Thailand

A slow boat to the Phi Phi Islands

Secluded coves, seaside restaurants, and snorkeling stops. With your own private boat, you can dictate the pace, the direction, the plan.

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Mexico

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The ethereal promontory where the Mayan Empire met the Caribbean Sea. Date palms, otherworldly cenotes, crumbling ruins. For us, the Yucatan is pure Mexico, pure beauty, pure peace.

And this trip is about as relaxing as they come, with nothing taken at a rush. Sail out on warm seas; get back to nature at Celestún; and see the Chichen Itza as the sun begins to rise. Perfection.

Where to stay

Luxury vacation in January: Mexico Hotel Chable

Chablé Yucatán, Merida

Tucked away in acres of lush gardens, here is a place where nature can be enjoyed at its fullest. Its spa (which is sublime, by the way) is built around a natural cenote, while its restaurant boasts an outrageous menu of organic seasonal cuisine. With the opportunity to experience an authentic Temazcal ceremony, Chablé is an enticing combination of shamanism and luxury.

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Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

An oasis of undisturbed tranquillity. Between lapping waves and peaceful lagoons, its reputation is well deserved. The host of exotic birds, iguanas, and turtles which flock here are testament enough to that. What’s more, there is a great deal to do here – should the lap of luxury not be enough.

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The highlights

Merida & Riviera Maya, Luxury Family Holidays in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Walk the history of Merida

Merida is best explored on foot, and with an expert local insider to show you around. A fusion of Maya and Spanish cultures, it stands, today, as a thriving hub known best for its architecture (like the 16th century cathedral) and food (it is officially a ‘city of gastronomy’). Come hungry.

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Chichen Itza at sunrise

As one of the most important archaeological sites in pre-Hispanic America, this formidable and otherworldly site defies words. You will experience it without the crowds – at sunrise, privately, with an expert guide.

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Flamingo Celestun Biosphere

Enter Celestún Biosphere Reserve

Here, by the shores of a huge saltwater lagoon, a flock of over 2,000 flamingos make their home. Fed by cenote springs, this miraculous place is (we think) one of the best places to swim in all of Mexico.

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Merida & Riviera Maya, Luxury Holidays in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

An archaeological tour of ancient worlds

Uxmal and Kabah – two ancient Mayan complexes – will give you a deep insight into the ingenuity of the civilization who built them. We’ll team you up with an expert archaeologist as your guide. Climb first the Great Pyramid for unimaginable views.

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Boat sailing in the caribbean

Sail the Caribbean

From inland to ocean, you’ll set out onboard a private catamaran to explore the beauty of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It quite literally teems with exotic marine life – the perfect place to swim, snorkel and dive.

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Greek Islands

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Three Cycladic islands – all blissfully free from the influencer buzz of their brasher neighbours. These are the very same landscapes for which Byron yearned and on which Truman Capote and Cecil Beaton stayed in 1958. His take? “We have lived in a timeless haze of repetition – life is nothing but sleep, swim, eat, and read”.

This is peace incarnate – no freeways, no traffic, just laidback tavernas, shimmering mist, and butter-yellow cliffs that fall into wine dark seas beneath. You can’t ask more than this.

Where to stay

Luxury Holidays & Honeymoons in Greece

Parilio Hotel, Paros

The embodiment of laid-back Cycladic elegance – an unfussy combination of sleek architecture, contemporary art and chalk-blue tones. While effortlessly modern, the views – and the feel – are thoroughly mythic.

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Elies-Resorts-swimming-pool-outdoor-view-deck-chair-patio-terace-private

Elies Resorts, Sifnos

Likewise, serene – and the view here (across beautiful Vathi Bay) is close to jaw-dropping, with beatific beaches and smoky blue hills beyond. They’ve bottled everything good about Greek village life. And there are private pools.

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Luxury Holidays & Honeymoons in Greece

Andronis Luxury Suites, Santorini

Many have imitated the Andronis feel, but none have bettered it. You’re right in the heart of Oia, but your suites – and views – feel like islands unto themselves. With a sunken volcano on the horizon, there are few more perfect vistas in the world.

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The highlights

Luxury Holidays & Honeymoons in Greece

The ways of Paros

Pine-fringed coves and whitewashed fishing villages. Paros is a gently sublime place that few tourists ever dig out. We’ll plot the perfect path along its coastline, leading eventually to the beautiful swimming waters of Kolymbithres Bay.

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Antiparos Greece

Across the waters, Antiparos

Like Jason before you, you’ll set sail – privately – for the tiny island of Antiparos. The ultimate ‘off the grid’ destination, nothing here is brash or OTT. Perfect tavernas, crumbling ruins, mind-boggling treks. Byron carved his name into a cave, nearby.

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Old grandmother is preparing salad, Greece

The art of the Grecian kitchen

Sifnos is known for its reliance on local ingredients. When you’re a tiny island without an airport, it’s essential. We’ll introduce you to one of our favorite local cooks. They’ll introduce you to the secrets of the island’s sizzling food scene (there’s a plate of octopus we’ll literally never forget).

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GreeceLuxury Holidays & Honeymoons in Greece

The secrets of Sifnos

It took some time, but we’ve drawn up a map of the best hikes and trails across the island. The main consideration was that it must feature an ancient village and an exceptional taverna. We’ll set you on the right path.

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Roman ruins of Akrotiri

At leisure on Akrotiri

From the cobbled old town of Santorini, we’ll take you – by boat – to the mesmerizing Minoan archaeological site of Akrotiri. It’s like a Greek Pompeii – with standing walls and painted frescoes. The same boat will lead you along to some perfectly secret coves.

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Simply, fantastic

My wife and I booked our honeymoon through black tomato and honestly couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! The team was very helpful in curating the exact experience we wanted and the hotels we stayed in were simply fantastic.

Fadi, Black Tomato Traveler
Empanada making in Argentina

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